Explore the Blackbody Spectrum & Wien's Law
Change temperature and watch the blackbody curve, peak wavelength and glow colour of a hot object. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Blackbody Spectrum & Wien's Law with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Blackbody Spectrum & Wien's Law?
Change temperature and watch the blackbody curve, peak wavelength and glow colour of a hot object. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Astronomers use blackbody curves to measure star temperatures; thermal cameras and light bulbs rely on them.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Hot objects glow with a spectrum that depends only on temperature.
Peak wavelength = 2.898 × 10⁶ nm·K ÷ T.
Power radiated grows as T⁴.
Compare the human body (310 K) and the Sun.
Raise the temperature to 9000 K.
Switch to Same scale to see the brightness rise.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Atomic & Quantum learners
Advanced high-school and university students in chemistry and physics, and curious learners who want to see how the atomic world behaves.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Blackbody Spectrum & Wien's Law on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Raise the temperature to 9000 K. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is a blackbody?
An ideal object that absorbs all light and glows purely because of its temperature.
Why do hotter stars look blue?
Their peak wavelength is shorter, so more blue light is emitted.
Is the Blackbody Spectrum & Wien's Law free to use?
Yes. The Blackbody Spectrum & Wien's Law is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Atomic & Quantum group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Blackbody Spectrum & Wien's Law work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Blackbody Spectrum & Wien's Law takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 2 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Blackbody Spectrum & Wien's Law?
1. In the Blackbody Spectrum & Wien's Law, use the controls to change Temperature, Scale. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Blackbody Spectrum & Wien's Law, pick an option such as Human 310 K, Bulb 2700 K, Sun 5772 K, Star 9000 K to switch modes or load an example. 3. Start with this experiment: Compare the human body (310 K) and the Sun. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Blackbody Spectrum & Wien's Law responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Hot objects glow with a spectrum that depends only on temperature.
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Change temperature and watch the blackbody curve, peak wavelength and glow colour of a. Free to use.
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